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The Maserati Quattroporte is a luxurious and sporty sedan built in Italy and powered by a Ferrari engine. Translated from Italian its name in English is simply "four doors," but that’s where the simplicity ends and the pure elegance begins.

The Quattroporte, now in its fifth generation, has been with us since 2004 and understandably is starting to get a little long in the tooth.

A successor is planned and has been spotted testing in prototype form near Maserati’s headquarters in Modena, Italy, though this car isn’t expected to arrive in showrooms until sometime next year.

Not to worry as the current Quattroporte offers nearly everything for the buyer after a comfortable sedan with plenty of performance and flair.

The range begins with the Quattroporte, which despite being the base model still comes with a Ferrari-built 4.2-liter V-8 dishing out 400 horsepower. This moves into the sportier Quattroporte S, which features a 4.7-liter version of this engine and a healthier 425-horsepower output.

Topping the range is the hard-edged Quattroporte Sport GT S. With its sports exhaust system freeing up more power, the Quattroporte Sport GT S’s 4.7-litre V-8 boasts no less than 440 horsepower.

A six-speed automatic transmission from Germany’s ZF is standard across the range, as are ample brakes and some very wide tires. Performance fans will want to opt for the optional Skyhook air suspension, which lowers the car slightly and sees it deliver true sporting prowess.

No matter which model you go for, all are dynamic, engaging cars, with each step up the ladder adding crispness and vigor. You’d expect nothing less however, considering the starting price on the 2012 Maserati Quattroporte is a cool $127,250. For that money you can opt for a fairly well-equipped Porsche Panamera or any of the flagship sedans from the traditional German luxury marques.

Yet, none of them have the elegance and sheer style that the Quattroporte offers. There’s no mistaking it for one of the others. A somewhat shark-like front end rakes into an aggressive windshield profile, which melds into the sculpted roofline, elegantly finishing at the tail. Inside, fine detail work adds a richness absent in German alternatives, including ample woodwork and leather piping. Note, we did find that some of the materials in the Quattroporte were lacking in quality, and interior space, especially at the rear, doesn’t quite match up to some of its rivals.

For a more detailed look at the 2012 Maserati Quattroporte, head over to our sister site The Car Connection for the full review.